The new generation of Microsoft certifications

The new generation of Microsoft certifications is more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what you do and to prove your expertise to those who need to know.

Consisting of three series and four credentials, the new generation of Microsoft certifications provides a simpler and more targeted framework for IT managers to validate core technical skills, professional skills, and architectural skills. It also provides professionals in the IT industry with a more relevant, flexible, and cost-effective way to showcase their skills.

The Technology Series certifications:
The Technology Series certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of and expertise in the broad range of technologies with which they work. Microsoft Technology Specialists are consistently capable of implementing, building, troubleshooting, and debugging a particular Microsoft technology.

The Technology Series certifications:

• Typically consist of one to three exams. 
• Are focused on a key Microsoft product or technology. 
• Do not include job-role skills. 
• Will be retired when mainstream product support for the particular technology expires.

There are currently five Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications. More will become available as new technologies are introduced. The five certifications are:

• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications 
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications 
• Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications 
• Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005 
• Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006

The Professional Series certifications:
Professional Series credentials validate a comprehensive set of skills required to be successful on the job. These skills include design, project management, operations management, and planning, and they are contextual to the job role. By validating a more comprehensive set of skills, these credentials give candidates and their hiring managers a reliable indicator of on-the-job performance.
 
The Professional Series certifications:

• Typically consist of one to three exams. 
• Have one or more prerequisites from the Technology Series. 
• Are focused on single job role. 
• Require recertification to maintain active status.

Microsoft currently offers two Professional series credentials:

• Microsoft Certified IT Professional 
• Microsoft Certified Professional Developer

The Architect Series certifications:
The Microsoft Certified Architect Program identifies top industry experts in IT architecture. These prestigious professionals have a minimum of 10 years of advanced IT industry experience, have 3 or more years of experience as a practicing architect, possess strong technical and managerial skills, and form an elite community. Unlike other industry certifications, this credential was built and is granted by the architect community. Candidates must pass a rigorous review by the Review Board, which is made up of previously certified peer architects.
 
The Architect Series certifications:

• Have a rigorous and competitive entry process. 
• Require the candidate to work closely with a mentor who is a Microsoft Certified Architect. 
• Culminate in an oral review in front of previously certified architects.
• Require recertification.

Learn more about the Microsoft Certified Architect Program